Questions tagged [boots]
Use this tag for questions about boots (not shoes) used for outdoor activities including hiking, trekking, climbing, fishing etc. It can be anything related to maintenance, correct use or their accessories. This tag is appropriate for questions which discuss brands, but asking for specific brand recommendations or prices are off-topic.
110
questions
21
votes
11
answers
25k
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Can I fix my boots by gluing the soles back on?
The sole of my trekking boots got separated from the boot body. Since the boots would be otherwise usable - they are more than ten years old but without too much use - repairing them would be an ...
0
votes
0
answers
103
views
LOWA renegade insole is sliding
I used my Lowa renegade for 10 years and I bought a new pair. On the first 7km the insoles are sliding back. I tried again, same problem... I just realised even with hands I can slide the insoles up ...
8
votes
1
answer
281
views
How can I make a winter mountaineering boot into an extreme winter boot?
I am planning to make a winter ascent of a mountain with a height of 4850 meters (15,900 ft). Its summit's lowest and wind-chill temperatures are around -30 C (-22 F) and -40 C (-40 F), respectively. ...
10
votes
4
answers
15k
views
How long is Gore-Tex lining in boots effective?
I was reading a recent answer and found this statement
for the great majority of users, Gore-Tex boot liners fail anyway, and sooner rather than later if any real mileage is being covered. In fact, ...
4
votes
1
answer
866
views
What do the 3 size numbers on tech chart sticker on my ski boots mean?
I'm confused by what the 3 size numbers on sticker attached to my child's ski boots mean (see image).
When I purchased them (last year) the tag said '24' and now I'm trying to find out if my child ...
47
votes
15
answers
91k
views
How to harden feet to avoid blisters on long hikes
I've enjoyed hiking my entire life but I have one huge problem. The skin on my feet is extremely soft and sensitive. I wear good wool socks with properly fitting boots and change socks during long ...
7
votes
3
answers
776
views
Vibram FiveFingers or Non-Hiking Boots as a Beginner in Hiking?
I'm very new to/inexperienced at hiking, and I got invited to an impromptu, 7-mile hike tomorrow at Alamere Falls (places online say it's "intermediate difficulty"). I've only gone on what I think are ...
3
votes
2
answers
397
views
Approach shoes for Mt. Rainier
I've seen many suggestions/recommendations for so-called "approach shoes" needed for climbing presumably just to Camp Muir on Mt. Rainier. I'm going to be joining an RMI-lead expedition for ...
19
votes
2
answers
9k
views
What types of boots are good for caving?
Considering the following options:
watertight: because caves are often wet or muddy
stiff sole: to provide more grip and protection from the rocky bottom.
durability
What is better, a rubber boot or ...
5
votes
1
answer
443
views
Use of high altitude (8000 M) boots at lower altitudes (6500 M)
On Himalayan climbs, good hiking boots (hard or flex soles) will suffice till base camp. Single boots like La Sportiva Nepal Extreme can suffice (in combination with gaiters) till maybe 6000 M peaks ...
1
vote
3
answers
150
views
Can Yonex Accublade boots be used with normal bindings without any damage?
I've been snowboarding for a few years now and decided to get some secondhand gear as a first step to having my own stuff instead of using rentals. I managed to find a pair of Yonex boots in seemingly ...
9
votes
6
answers
4k
views
How to you wade a river/creek without getting water in your boots
as by subject. Especially in a colder place, where one would be wearing some sort of closed shoe or boot (say, Lapland), how would someone wade a 30 or 40cm deep river/creek without flooding one's ...
0
votes
1
answer
414
views
Why do my Scarpa Phantom Techs boots feel cold even in mild weather?
I have Scarpa Phantom Tech, technical mountaineering / winter climbing boots. They are generally great but I'm experiencing a strange phenomenon: my feet get seriously cold when I stop moving, ...
6
votes
1
answer
145
views
What preparation is necessary before switching between types of waterproofing on leather boots?
I've been using Nikwax aqueous (the liquid version) on some new full leather boots, and whilst it seems to do a decent job, it does seem to lose its surface water repellency quite quickly, and the ...
2
votes
0
answers
68
views
Double stitched leather shoe care
I am hiking in Meindl's double stitched, Nubuk leather hiking shoes, called Badile (https://meindl.de/product/badile-en/?lang=en) I have them for quite some years now and was very happy with them all ...
0
votes
1
answer
236
views
Debris in boots
When I went off the trail on my last hike, I noticed that grass got into my boots very easily because the toe is not gussetted like in other boots. And gaiters don't cover low enough on the boot to ...
6
votes
1
answer
5k
views
How to repair gore-tex boots split?
Last year I got myself a first pair of gore-tex B0 boots. Before I used only leather. I took care of those as good as I could. Keeping clean and using special sprays.
However now one boot developed 1....
10
votes
2
answers
2k
views
How to get rid of bad smell in hiking boots after they have been soaked?
My hiking boots got soaked multiple times during our last trip in Scotland. The water got in via my pants, behind my gaiters and on my socks. This happened multiple times on the trip with no ...
1
vote
2
answers
81
views
Great easy-clean walking boots?
I haven't bought walking boots for years and recently wore out my old pair. I'm looking for a replacement and realised that the thing I hated most about all the old boots I've had was the cleaning. I ...
3
votes
1
answer
385
views
Creasing in new Gore-Tex boots: reduced longevity?
I just got a pair of Scarpa Terra GTX's which I really like. However the only option the store had are ones that have clearly been worn a few times around the store leading to some creasing and fading....
15
votes
3
answers
3k
views
How do I extend the life of waterproof leather boots?
I've got some leather boots that are showing some wear and tear. More importantly, the seam between the sole and boot is starting to crack and allow some water in. Do products like ShoeGoo or FreeSole ...
1
vote
1
answer
391
views
Rusty Boot Hooks -- How to protect compromised metal?
I have snow boots that I just pulled out of my garage. I live in Los Angeles, so it's rare when I go to the snow. I'm not sure what caused it, but my boot hooks rusted and looked bad. I used a ...
3
votes
2
answers
107
views
Post-hike shoe care
How do I get rid of bad smell of mountaineering boots / skiing boots which comes from sweaty feet?
I know the best way is preventing that smell by putting them in a ventilated area, but sometimes it ...
37
votes
7
answers
50k
views
What is the fastest method to 'break in' full leather boots?
After purchasing full leather boots (similar to these boots) I had many blisters for the first few hikes until I broke in my boots.
What are the fastest ways to age the boot so that when my foot won'...
10
votes
3
answers
51k
views
How to repair the broken stitching and seams in my leather boots?
After several years of abuse and poor care my boots have completely gone at the seams around the inner ankle (see photos)
What can I do to repair my boots? My current plan is to just get some thick ...
5
votes
5
answers
6k
views
How to repair worn hiking boot eyelets
I noticed one of the eyelets on one of my hiking boots is very worn. The lace was fraying at the point of the worn eyelet, so I have put new laces in. However it does not look like the eyelet will ...
3
votes
3
answers
211
views
What to look for in wellington boots
So this actually stems from the fact my last two pairs of wellington boots have split - as have my husbands, and his were a different brand - my boots were both Joules (~£45 so low-mid range boots) ...
7
votes
8
answers
4k
views
How stiff of a sole should I look for in hiking boots?
There is a spectrum of sole stiffness in boots, from full shank on mountaineering boots to the easily bendable ones on really cheap boots. The way to test is to push in on the shoe lengthwise and see ...
5
votes
1
answer
809
views
What model of Hanwag boots are those?
I bought a pair of Hanwag boots late in 2013 at Naturkompaniet in Norrköping, Sweden, and I've never loved a pair of boots more. But now at least one of the shoes is in a bad state and a repair shop ...
8
votes
2
answers
7k
views
What type of glue is best to repair/resole cross country ski boots with plastic soles?
Does anybody know a good type of suitable glue to repair a delaminated sole on (modern) cross country ski boots with plastic soles (Rottefella NNN in particular). The delaminated part is in the front ...
10
votes
6
answers
2k
views
Boots or trail runners with reference to blisters?
I know that I can significantly improve my hiking efficiency by reducing the weight of my footwear. However, I have historically had trouble with blisters while hiking. I also often do long distance ...
10
votes
5
answers
903
views
Restoring water repellency in leather hiking boots
I have a pair of leather boots that are a couple of years old. They were fairly expensive and I'm not a big fan of discarding and replacing things so I'm hoping they can still be of use to me. The ...
11
votes
2
answers
938
views
How to wash hiking boots
I have a pair of GriSport boots. They are natural leather, with SimpaTex membrane. I use them for biking, weekend hikes and general wear in the winter in the city: salt and car oils everywhere.
They ...
2
votes
3
answers
766
views
How much time/distance on average does it take take to break in hiking boots?
If you are buying new hiking boots before a trip there is a break in period before the boots get comfortable and you don't want to go on a long backpacking trip with brand new boots. Time will depend ...
3
votes
4
answers
1k
views
How many miles should one expect to get out of a good pair of hiking boots?
They say that on average 400-500 miles is a good bet for running shoes, but for myself it's only about 300-350 miles before the aches of worn out shoes start to occur. It seems that shoes are one of ...
15
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Boots: Does light damage affect waterproofing?
I am looking at a new pair of suede leather walking boots. Price is low due to one boot being in a shop window and so is faded and doesn't match the other boot.
My question is: would the light damage ...
13
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Are there boots made for a longer 2nd toe?
I have a longer 2nd toe than the big toe (Morton's toe or royal toe). The major problem is finding boots or sports shoes that fit properly. If I didn't have this longer toe I would wear a 9 or 9.5 (...
1
vote
1
answer
264
views
Damaged Gore-tex boots
I bought Aku Slope boots with Gore-tex at a good price and as it turned out they have punctures in one place, which are probably minimal when I check them inside the shoe. I do not want to use the ...
8
votes
6
answers
3k
views
Using hiking boots for amateur rock-climbing
What are the practical aspects of using good quality hiking boots (e.g. ones shown below) for climbing?
Arguably, an outdoor enthusiast might be involved in various sorts of activities from hiking ...
4
votes
2
answers
960
views
Are there any kid sized alpine touring ski boots and bindings?
Do any kid size (205 mm or 32 EU) ski touring boots and bindings exist? The smallest size I'm able to find is 220 mm, 35 EU.
27
votes
3
answers
1k
views
What do I need to look for in good, quality hiking boots?
My wife and I are going to buy some hiking boots as we've been using regular tennis shoes anytime we go on a hike.
What are the things I need to keep in mind when looking for a good set of quality ...
0
votes
2
answers
4k
views
Timberland classic 6 inch boots for mountain hiking/trekking
The original Timberland classic 6-inch boots were made 40 years ago for the cold, wet and mountainous terrain of New England. They were innovative footwear for their time, but now have become mostly a ...
2
votes
1
answer
152
views
What do you call what amounts to a modern hybrid between a sneaker and a high top moccasin?
Thirty odd years ago there was a fad for shoes generically called snow joggers. It was a super lightweight boot in appearence -- usually 6-8" tall, but with a very light construction throughout. ...
5
votes
2
answers
3k
views
What temperature is needed for heat molding ski boot liners? Isn't body temperature enough for that?
After a season of skiing in rental boots of all sorts, I want to buy my own pair. My options are:
a local shop in a country where there's no snow and the prices are so high,
online deals that are ...
6
votes
2
answers
179
views
Yellow Overboot Repair
I have a cut in the ankle of my boot (see pic). I'm concerned that any glueing/patching will not hold due to movement and flexing while walking.
What is the proper method of gluing and patching that ...
6
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Getting Alpine Touring (a.k.a Randonee) boots for big feet
I wear US 14 / Euro 48 size shoes, and Alpine Touring / Randonee boots don't appear to be available at online retailers (e.g. REI and Backcountry.com) despite some manufacturers making them in this ...
5
votes
1
answer
179
views
Are there B2 alpine boot brands in the UK besides La Sportiva and Scarpa?
I'm looking at buying some B2 rated alpine/winter boots for use with Crampons, etc. I'm trying to avoid paying full price for them (searching ebay, looking for special offers, etc.) as they are ...
11
votes
3
answers
595
views
What makes shoelaces so special?
The laces on my hiking boots broke years ago, and instead of going out of my way to buy a replacement pair, I replaced them with some lengths of paracord I had kicking around, albeit with the intent ...
8
votes
2
answers
11k
views
Genuine leather or synthetic leather boots
I normally use synthetic leather boots for trekking. But recently I had a bad experience with a very cheap pair of boots and I had to walk 3 days in wet boots.
So I was wondering if someone can give ...
10
votes
2
answers
4k
views
How to repair the ripped seam in my leather cowboy boots?
I have worn these twice and the second time I noticed the stitching in the left inside was ripping. It has been a hassle trying to take them back to the store because I live 2 hours away. So I am ...